1994 Pontiac Grand Am coolant flowing out of reservoir

1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM
120,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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NICHOLS706
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  • 1 POST
as my car heats up, the coolant begins to spill out of the overflow tank. The low coolant light is on. Today I replaced the thermostat to see if that would help & it did not. Anyone want to take a stab at this one?
Sep 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Verify if the water pump is pumping

One way to test for a bad water pump is to squeeze the upper radiator hose when the engine is hot and idling. Careful, because the hose will be HOT! If you do not feel much coolant circulating through the hose when you rev the engine, the pump may be bad. The other cause might be a bad thermostat that is not opening properly (remove and inspect the thermostat), or a clogged radiator.

Pressure test the R/Cap

Feel across the front of the radiator should be evenly warm-any cold spot could be clogged up.
Sep 25, 2008 at 3:41 PM
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